The Hybrid

Chapter 27

The club was alive with energy, the sound of laughter and music spilling into the night air. Kyra glanced around nervously as they stepped inside. She wasn’t used to crowds like this, and the idea of being in the spotlight—even for something as casual as karaoke—made her stomach twist.

Gregory clapped Ryder on the back as they entered. “I can’t remember the last time we did karaoke, brings back memories. You remember when we used to sneak out here as teens?”

Ryder chuckled. “I remember you getting caught every time.”

Kyra couldn’t help but smile at their banter, though she felt a sharp glare from across the room. Her eyes landed on Amber, who was sitting with a group of girls near the bar. Amber’s gaze flicked to Ryder and then to Kyra, her expression twisting into one of jealousy and disdain.

Kyra quickly looked away, determined not to let Amber ruin her night.

Allie spotted them from the other side of the room and waved excitedly, practically skipping over.

“You made it!” she exclaimed, beaming at Kyra. “And you brought reinforcements.”

Gregory gave her a polite nod. “Wouldn’t miss it. Ryder’s got a voice like an angel, or so I’ve been told.”

Ryder smirked. “Careful, Gregory. I might make you go up there first.”

Allie laughed. “That’s a great idea! Gregory, you’re up!”

Gregory raised his hands defensively. “No way. I’ll leave the singing to the kids.”

The night kicked off with Allie confidently taking the stage. She chose an upbeat pop song, her enthusiasm infectious as the crowd clapped along. Kyra cheered her on, feeling a bit of her nerves melt away.

When Allie finished, the host called for the next volunteer.

Gregory leaned over to Ryder with a grin. “Your turn, Alpha.”

Ryder shook his head. “Not yet.”

Gregory smirked. “Saving the best for last, huh?”

As more people took turns on the stage, Kyra found herself relaxing. She laughed at Kyle’s off-key rendition of a classic rock song and even caught herself clapping along.

Then the host called out, “Next up, we’ve got Alpha Ryder!”

Kyra’s head snapped toward Ryder, her eyes wide. “You signed up?”

Ryder shrugged, standing up. “What can I say? I aim to please.”

As Ryder stepped onto the stage, the crowd quieted, curiosity flickering in their eyes. He adjusted the mic stand, his casual confidence drawing everyone’s attention. When the music started Stargazing by Myles Smith. His deep, gravelly voice filled the room, effortlessly smooth with just the right amount of rasp.

It wasn’t just his voice that captivated—it was the emotion behind it. Each word carried weight, drawing the crowd into the story he told with the song. His tone was both intimate and powerful, weaving a connection that resonated through the space. He kept locking eyes with Kyra like he was singing the song for only her.

Kyra watched, transfixed. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, her breath catching in her chest. There was something raw, something vulnerable in the way he performed. Ryder wasn’t just singing; he was baring his soul, and it struck a chord deep within her.

As the song came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause, the sound echoing through the club. Ryder stepped down, his easygoing smile firmly in place, but Kyra noticed the way his eyes sought her out first.

Gregory let out a low whistle, clapping Ryder on the shoulder as he returned to the table. “Didn’t know you had that kind of talent, Alpha.”

Allie was practically beaming. “That was incredible! You’ve been hiding that voice?”

Ryder gave a modest shrug and looked at Kyra, his voice soft. “What’d you think?”

Kyra’s heart raced under his gaze. “It was… amazing,” she admitted, her voice barely audible. “You were amazing.”

A smirk tugged at Ryder’s lips, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “Glad you think so.”

The intensity in his expression made her pulse quicken, and for a moment, it felt like no one else existed but the two of them. Ryder had moved the crowd, but Kyra knew she was the one he had truly sung for.

As the crowd settled down from Ryder’s heartfelt performance, Amber sashayed toward the stage, her long hair swaying dramatically. She held the mic with practiced ease, shooting Ryder a sly wink as she addressed the crowd.

“This one’s for someone special,” she said, her gaze lingering on Ryder.

Kyra’s jaw tightened as Amber began her song. It was a sultry, seductive number, clearly chosen to draw attention. Her voice was pleasant at first—airy, soft—but when the notes climbed higher, a nasal sharpness broke through, followed by an awkward squeak.

Kyra winced. The audience clapped politely, but the strain in their faces was obvious. Amber, oblivious to the mixed reception, strutted through her performance, throwing coy glances and winks at Ryder every chance she got.

Ryder, however, didn’t even glance her way, his face an unreadable mask. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed firmly on the table.

When Amber finished, she held the mic high, basking in the scattered applause. As she stepped off the stage, she turned her gaze directly on Kyra, her eyes narrowing in a silent challenge.

Kyra felt the heat rise in her chest. Without thinking, she pushed her chair back and stood.

The crowd murmured in surprise as Kyra made her way to the stage. Ryder sat up straight, his brow furrowing. Allie grabbed Gregory’s arm, whispering, “She’s actually doing it!”

Amber crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips.

Kyra took the mic, her fingers brushing over it nervously. She cleared her throat, scanning the audience. Finally, her eyes landed on Ryder, and she found her courage.

The haunting melody of Wolves by Selena Gomez and Marshmello filled the room. The moment Kyra opened her mouth, the atmosphere shifted. Her voice was beyond anything anyone expected—rich, soulful, and powerful, with a depth that carried raw emotion.

Every word seemed to pierce the air, and the crowd was utterly silent, captivated. Ryder’s breath caught in his chest as he watched her, unable to tear his eyes away. Her beauty, her strength, her talent—it all struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Amber’s smug expression faded, her mouth slightly agape.

When Kyra hit the high notes, the crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and hollering. By the time she finished, the room was on its feet, the applause echoing through the club louder than it had been all night.

Kyra handed the mic back to the host and descended the stage, her head held high. She threw a pointed glare at Amber, whose cheeks were flushed with humiliation. Amber quickly turned away, defeated.

Kyra returned to the table, her heart pounding but her expression calm.

“That was…” Gregory began, his voice trailing off as he looked at her in awe.

“Wow,” Kyle added, still staring at her as though he couldn’t believe what just happened.

Allie grabbed Kyra’s arm, her excitement bubbling over. “I knew you had an amazing voice, but that was incredible!”

Ryder was silent, his blue eyes locked on Kyra. His expression was unreadable, but there was a fire in his gaze that made her stomach flip.

“Where did that come from?” Gregory finally managed, shaking his head.

Kyra shrugged, trying to play it off, though her cheeks flushed. “Just felt like singing.”

“You didn’t just sing,” Allie said, practically bouncing in her seat. “You owned that stage! And that’s why you got the role of Dorothy in the play.”

Ryder’s lips curved into a slow smile. “She’s right. That was… unforgettable.”

Kyra’s blush deepened, and she quickly glanced away, feeling Ryder’s eyes on her.

Across the room, Amber sat stiffly at her table, her jaw clenched as she glared at Kyra. But the glares no longer mattered. Kyra had made her mark, and everyone in the room—including Ryder—knew it.

The drive back to the pack house was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the space. Kyra finally broke the silence.

“Thank you for coming tonight. It meant a lot to Allie… and me.”

Ryder glanced at her, his blue eyes soft. “I’m glad I came. You deserve to have fun, Kyra.”

She smiled, her heart fluttering.

As they pulled into the driveway, Ryder turned to her. “For the record, you’re braver than you think. You just don’t realize it yet.”

Kyra felt warmth spread through her chest at his words.

“Good night, Ryder,” she said softly, stepping out of the car.

“Good night, Kyra,” he replied, watching her disappear inside.

Gregory pulled up beside him as Ryder lingered outside.

“You’ve got it bad,” Gregory teased, stepping out of his car.

Ryder shot him a glare. “Go to bed, Gregory.”

Gregory chuckled, walking toward the house. “Just saying. She’s something special.”

Kyle jumped out of the car and ran behind his dad,

“I mean it’s pretty obvious sir, even I noticed how you looked at her tonight that you got a thing for her. And no offense but she got a line of guys following her, so if you’re going to make a move make it soon.”

Ryder didn’t respond, but as he followed Gregory and Kyle inside, he couldn’t deny the truth of those words.